PETITION TO ENFORCE ARIZONA STATE ELECTRIC BICYCLE (E-BIKE) LAWS IN BUCKEYE, ARIZONA TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

TO: The City Council of Buckeye, Arizona, and the Buckeye Police Department

SUBJECT: Ensuring Compliance with Arizona State E-Bike Laws to Protect Public Safety and Prevent Serious Injury or Death

BACKGROUND:

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have surged in popularity across Buckeye, offering residents a convenient and eco-friendly means of transportation. However, with this rise in usage, we have also seen an alarming increase in reckless riding, particularly among minors who may not understand the dangers associated with high-speed e-bikes.

When improperly used, e-bikes can lead to catastrophic consequences, including severe injuries and even fatalities. High-speed e-bikes, some capable of reaching speeds of 28–50 mph, can turn a minor accident into a life-threatening incident. Without intervention, it is only a matter of time before our community experiences a tragedy.

We, the undersigned residents of Buckeye, Arizona, demand that immediate action be taken to enforce Arizona’s e-bike laws, educate the public, and prevent unnecessary injuries or deaths.

 
RELEVANT ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES (ARS) PERTAINING TO E-BIKES:
Definition of Electric Bicycles:

ARS §28-101(28): Classifies e-bikes into three categories based on their speed and motor power. (azleg.gov)
Rules for E-Bike Operation:

ARS §28-819(A): Grants e-bike riders the same rights and responsibilities as traditional bicycle riders. (azleg.gov)
Equipment and Labeling Requirements:

ARS §28-819(C): Requires that all e-bikes have a visible label indicating their classification, top speed, and motor wattage. (azleg.gov)
Path and Roadway Usage:

ARS §28-819(D): Limits where Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be ridden and allows local authorities to regulate their use.
ARS §28-819(E): Restricts Class 3 e-bikes from bicycle paths unless adjacent to a roadway or otherwise permitted. (azleg.gov)
 
RISKS OF HIGH-SPEED E-BIKES & PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS
Many minors are riding powerful e-bikes with little to no experience, disregarding traffic laws, and endangering themselves and others. Without proper enforcement, education, and safety measures, we are at serious risk of preventable accidents leading to severe injury or death. The following are key risks associated with unsafe e-bike usage:

High-Speed Collisions:

E-bikes can reach speeds of 28-50 mph. Minors without the ability to control such speeds are at high risk of colliding with vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, potentially leading to life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
Loss of Control Due to Power Surges:

Many e-bikes have powerful acceleration, which can be overwhelming for inexperienced riders, leading to crashes into traffic or objects.
Lack of Protective Gear:

Many minors do not wear helmets or other safety gear, drastically increasing the risk of traumatic brain injuries in the event of an accident.
Insufficient Traffic Awareness:

Young riders often do not understand basic traffic laws, right-of-way rules, or blind spots, making them vulnerable to being hit by cars.
Distraction & Reckless Behavior:

Minors frequently use phones, wear headphones, or race each other, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Poor Visibility at Night:

Many e-bikes do not come equipped with adequate lighting, and riders often wear dark clothing, making them difficult for drivers to see, especially at night.
Deadly Falls from High Speeds:

At speeds exceeding 28 mph, hitting a pothole, curb, or small debris can send a rider flying, leading to broken bones, concussions, or worse—spinal cord injuries and fatalities.
Peer Pressure & Overconfidence:

Many minors are motivated by peer pressure to push speed limits or perform dangerous maneuvers, significantly increasing their chances of an accident.
 
PETITION REQUESTS
To ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths, we, the undersigned, request that the City of Buckeye and the Buckeye Police Department take immediate action by implementing the following measures:

STRONGER ENFORCEMENT OF ARS §28-819:

Buckeye Police Department must ensure that all e-bike riders comply with state laws, including proper classification, adherence to road safety rules, and mandatory helmet use for minors.
PROACTIVE POLICE PATROLS & CITATION ISSUANCE:

We request that Buckeye law enforcement increase patrols in high-risk areas to identify and address reckless or unlawful e-bike riding before accidents happen.
MANDATORY SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS:

The city should launch an educational campaign in schools, local community centers, and online to inform minors and parents about the dangers of unsafe e-bike riding and the importance of following traffic laws.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & INVOLVEMENT:

Partner with schools, PTAs, and local organizations to spread awareness about e-bike safety, helmet laws, and responsible riding habits.
REVIEW & STRENGTHEN LOCAL ORDINANCES:

The City of Buckeye should assess and, if necessary, update city ordinances to ensure stricter enforcement of e-bike laws, including speed limits and designated riding areas.
 
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Every signature on this petition represents a community member who values safety and wants to prevent an unnecessary tragedy. We cannot afford to wait for a serious injury or fatal accident to take action. By enforcing Arizona’s e-bike laws, educating our youth, and proactively patrolling for violations, we can save lives and protect our community.

We urge the Buckeye City Council and the Buckeye Police Department to act now before more injuries—or worse, fatalities—occur.